I really think this is the final nail in the coffin for MS.... especially right before the holidays???
I know if I was looking to buy a console this Christmas for myself or my kids... I would definitely not buy an xbox 360.
It doesn't sound like the problem is widespread though. It's good MS is giving Sony competition. They just need to rethink their strategy, and not screw over so many customers in so many ways next time. I will give them credit for kickstarting the online phenomenon for consoles though. I just hope games don't get dumbed down to the point where they're all online only in the future. I like to play someone's creation and be immersed in a world and story when I play, and prefer that to looking at a bunch of erratically moving players with red and blue names above their heads.